Understanding Bearded Dragon Behavior: Glass Surfing and Loss of Appetite

If you’re a beginner when it comes to pet owning, observing unusual behavior in your bearded dragon might be worrisome. Among the common issues that you might encounter with bearded dragons is glass surfing and a sudden loss of appetite. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to understand the cause of these behaviors and the steps that you can take to help your pet.

What is Glass Surfing?

Glass surfing is a term that describes the behavior of bearded dragons when they spend a lot of time climbing or scratching against the glass walls of their enclosure. It’s usually easy to identify when your pet is glass surfing. They’ll constantly move from side to side and scratch the walls.

Most pet owners might assume that glass surfing is just a way for the dragon to exercise or display boredom. However, this behavior can indicate that there’s something wrong with your pet’s living conditions or an underlying health problem.

Possible Causes of Glass Surfing

• Overheating – bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals that require a specific temperature range. If the environment is too warm, they’ll climb up against the glass to look for a cooler area.
• Small Enclosure – Bearded dragons are active creatures that require enough space to move around. If they’re kept in an enclosure that is too small, they’ll glass surf to communicate their discomfort.
• Reflection – Your pet might mistake its reflection with another bearded dragon, which could trigger aggressive behavior or panic.
• Stress – Changes in living conditions or the introduction of a new pet can cause stress on your bearded dragon, which can result in glass surfing.

It’s recommended to observe your bearded dragon consistently to identify other possible causes of glass surfing. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, consult a veterinarian.

What Should You Do about Glass Surfing?

Start by isolating the cause of your pet’s behavior. Neutralize any external causes such as reflections or heat issues by adjusting the enclosure’s location and temperature. Make sure that your bearded dragon enclosure is large enough to accommodate your pet, allowing ample space to move around.

If the behavior persists, it’s essential to consult a reptile veterinarian to determine if there’s any underlying health issue.

Loss of Appetite

A sudden loss of appetite in a bearded dragon can indicate that something is wrong. Keep in mind that bearded dragons are omnivores that require a balanced diet of insects, vegetables, and fruits.

Possible Causes of Loss of Appetite

• Illness – respiratory infections, metabolic bone disease, and parasites are some of the common illnesses that result in your pet losing its appetite.
• Inadequate Nutrition – a lack of access to fresh water, inappropriate diet, or lack of food availability can result in your bearded dragon’s appetite loss.
• Inadequate Lighting and temperature – Bearded dragons require exposure to sunlight and heat to digest their food properly. Inadequate lighting or temperature can cause digestion issues and loss of appetite.

What Should You Do about Loss of Appetite?

The first step is to identify the cause of your bearded dragon’s loss of appetite. Verify that the temperature and lighting in the enclosure are appropriate for your pet. Ensure that you’re feeding your bearded dragon with the right diet consisting of protein, calcium, and vitamins.

If your pet’s loss of appetite persists for more than two days, it’s vital to consult a qualified veterinarian. They’ll do a thorough checkup to determine the possible underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons are fascinating pets that can bring a lot of joy to your life. It’s essential to cater to their basic needs to ensure good health. If you notice signs of glass surfing or loss of appetite, don’t wait too long before seeking professional help. A happy and healthy bearded dragon makes for a great pet companion.